Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a significant visit to Ukraine following his recent trip to Moscow to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin. The visit, set for Friday, aims to strengthen economic ties and cooperation in defense, science, and technology between India and Ukraine.
Analysts suggest that Modi's visit to Ukraine may be an effort to strike a more neutral stance after his meeting with Putin in Moscow, which drew criticism for appearing to lean towards Russia. This visit marks the first by a prime minister of India to Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic relations over 30 years ago.
India's strategic orientation towards non-alignment is emphasized through this visit, as New Delhi seeks to balance its foreign policy amidst global tensions. Despite its historic ties with Russia, India has refrained from condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has urged dialogue for conflict resolution.
India's strong partnership with Russia, particularly in trade and defense, has been reinforced by Modi's recent visit to Moscow. The two countries share significant trade relations, with India being a key buyer of Russian oil following sanctions imposed by Western nations.
While bilateral trade between India and Ukraine is comparatively lower, the visit signifies efforts to enhance cooperation and engagement between the two nations. India has also provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the invasion.
Modi's visit to Ukraine is expected to be well-received by Western countries critical of his meeting with Putin, as it demonstrates India's commitment to engaging with various global partners. However, the visit is unlikely to alter the perception of India's closer relationship with Russia.
Overall, Modi's visit to Ukraine serves as an opportunity to secure Indian interests, push back against Russian influence, and maintain diplomatic relations with both Ukraine and the West.
